So-Called Dollars

Mechanics Institute, organized March 1855, held first industrial fair Sept. 8, 1857 in specially built pavilion. Fair came to be annual event, lasting 3 to 4 weeks, an "elaborate exhibition of mechanic arts...agriculture and horticulture exceedingly popular...always densely crowded." Earthquake and fire destroyed hall in 1906.

Medal below, struck for 1897 Fair, commemorates completion that year of tower of City Hall, cornerstone of building having been laid 25 years earlier. Designed by Institute; struck by L. H. Moise, San Francisco; issue quite limited.